Ottawa Tightens Immigration Consultant Rules Amid Fraud Concerns
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New regulations aim to enhance oversight of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, but critics question if the measures go far enough to protect victims.
The Canadian government has implemented new regulations to overhaul the oversight of immigration consultants, according to reporting from CityNews Toronto. The measures, which took effect July 15, 2026, are intended to reinforce the role of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and improve transparency regarding misconduct investigations.
Ottawa's updates include granting the CICC the authority to impose higher penalties on consultants who violate rules and the establishment of a compensation fund for those filing complaints. These changes come amid reports of immigration fraud, including a scheme in Ontario that targeted international students and involved registered consultants.
Despite the changes, some remain skeptical. Abhishek, an Indian national who spoke with CityNews Toronto, claimed he was asked to pay up to $100,000 by a consultant to remain in Canada, stating that some consultants treat their services as products rather than providing proper guidance.
Eoin Logan, a civil litigation lawyer in British Columbia, told CityNews Toronto that clients often fear retaliation when filing complaints. He noted one instance where a consultant filed a fraud tip with the Canada Border Services Agency against a client who had complained. Logan also questioned why the CICC has not utilized existing powers, such as auditing consultants before complaints are filed, despite having a $24 million annual budget.
CICC figures show a wide gap between complaints and discipline: between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the College logged 1,211 new complaints but pursued only 15 disciplinary actions. In the preceding year, only 11 disciplinary actions were taken.